-15- 



A comparison of various apple planting methods in West Virginia (Auxt et al., 

 1980) showed that tree vigor was best when procedures were used which resulted in 

 a large disturbance of the soil. Trees planted by backhoe or tree planter were most 

 successfully established, while a conventional 24" soil auger resulted in less tree vigor 

 and anchorage. It was found that use of 12" or 24" augers resulted in significant soil 

 compaction, which negatively affected tree growth. The West Virginia soils contained 

 more clay than most Massachusetts orchard soils, but smearing of the soil can be a 

 significant problem in this region as most of the trees are planted during early spring 

 when the soil often is extremely wet. 



While the long-term effects of soil profile modification are debatable, the 

 short-term benefits are beyond doubt. These include improved drainage, aeration and 

 water holding capacity, and less problems with frost heaving. When planting fruit trees 

 it is generally a good practice to make the planting hole as large as possible. When 

 the soil contains a hardpan at shallow depth this procedure is even more important to 

 provide the tree with an environment for optimum growth. Mixing topsoil with the 

 subsoil, and additions of lime, fertilizer and organic matter such as hay and peat, will 

 prolong the effect of soil profile modification and thus lengthen the period of root 

 prolification. Smearing of the soil should be prevented, but is especially important 

 when augers are used. When smearing in the borehole is evident, remove the smeared 

 surface with a knife. Never plant the trees in waterlogged planting holes. Wait until 

 the soils dry out or plant the trees in the fall. If excessive wetness is a reoccuring 

 problem at the future planting site, ensure proper drainage first and select rootstocks 

 which can endure wet feet. Anybody can plant a tree. Planting of a tree which will 

 last and prosper takes considerable time and care. 



References Cited 



1. Auxt, T., S. Blizzard, and K. Elliott. 1980. Comparison of apple planting methods. 

 J. Am. Soc. Hort. 105:468-472. 



2. Bradford, J.M. and R.W. Blanchar. 1977. Profile modification of a Fragiudalf to 

 increase crop production. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 4:127-121. 



3. Fritton, D.D., and G.W. Olson. 1972. Bulk density of a fragipan soil in natural and 

 disturbed profiles. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 36:686-689. 



4. Fritton, D.D., F.N. Swader, and K. Hoddinott. 1983. Profile modification persistence 

 in a fragipan soil. Soil Sci. 136:124-130. 



5. Mech, S.J., G.M. Horner , L.M. Cox, and E.E. Cary. 1967. Soil profile modification 

 by backhoe mixing and deep plowing. Trans. Am. Soc. Agri. Eng. 10:775-779. 



